Netgear ReadyNAS NV+ 2 (withn 4 x 2Tb Seagate HDD's included)
Netgear's array of products is, in a word, extensive. From home routers to enterprise-grade equipment, it's only fitting that they have a small NAS for power users and small businesses, the ReadyNAS NV+ v2. The NV+ v2 is a 4 bay unit with great performance and built so well you could use one in place of a few bricks in a pinch. Under the hood is a Marvell 1.6GHz single-core processor and 256MB of on-board RAM, which is just about right for individuals and small groups of users.
The ReadyNAS NV+ v2 is designed for power users and small business that don’t need a huge amount of space but still require steady performance. It’s got all the functionality one would expect for home use - a DNLA certified media server and plays well with Logitech Squeezebox, a variety of DVD players, iTunes Server, and the major game consoles.
On the business-side of things, the ReadyNAS NV+ v2 offers some features like Windows ACL, encrypted logins, SSL protection, all sorts of backup-related functions, and XRAID2/RAID functionality. The front-facing backup button is programmable, so users can do backups on the fly. There is a whole suite of backup software to accompany the NV+, including a manager and continuous data protection. ReadyNAS Vault online storage is also an option, but you have to pay for that one.
ReadyNAS NV+ v2 Specs
- 4 x 2Tb seagate HDD's
- Processor – 1.6GHz Marvell single-core
- Embedded 64 MB flash memory for OS
- Memory – 256 MB PC2700 DDR-SDRAM SO-DIMM
- Ports – 2 x USB 2.0
- Disk Management – XRAID2/RAID 0, 1, 5
- Four hot-swappable 3.5-inch drive bays
- Single Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Dimensions (W x H x D) – 7.9 x 5.2 x 8.7 in
- Weight – 10.35lbs without disks
- 92mm cooling fan
- Power Consumption – 55W typical (with 4 x 250 GB disks)
- 90W power supply
Aesthetics
The ReadyNAS NV+ v2 offers the same steel body that characterizes Netgear's previous models. It is well built, weighing in at a bit over 10 pounds without disks. It’s obviously not built as an enterprise solution, but this thing feels like it will stand up to anything a home or small business can throw at it. The front boasts a much-appreciated LCD screen that displays network status, IP address, storage use and other good data points, which is nice, considering that some smaller NAS units only have blinking LEDs. The front also has a programmable “Backup” button and a USB 2.0 port.
The NAS design is very user-friendly, especially when it comes to hot-swapping drives. Some models might require you to unscrew covers to access the drive bays, while on the ReadyNAS you simply swing the front cover open and unlatch a drive. The metal rails easily line up in the NAS body without requiring much hassle to get the drive inserted properly. Even the latch makes a satisfying "ker-chunk" when releasing or installing a new drive in each individual bay. As someone who is used to seeing thin metal or plastic drive sleds in most home or small business gear, you can definitely see how some of Netgear's enterprise expertise has rubbed off on the ReadyNAS's design.
